Zechariah 6-8; 1 John 4
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Like other Old Testament prophets, the prophet Zechariah speaks extensively about the end times when Israel will be restored. This is always connected to the coming of the Messiah. One of the Messiah’s titles is the Branch from the root of Jesse. By placing a crown on the head of Joshua, son of Jozadak, God highlights the blessings Israel will experience because of the Branch: “He will build the temple of the Lord. He will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne. And there will be harmony between the two” (Zech. 6:13).
Jehovah again reminds Israel of the reason for their punishment: “…‘When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zech. 7:13).
Israel’s salvation will occur during the millennial kingdom when the remnant will be saved: “‘But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,’ declares the Lord Almighty” (Zech. 8:11).
1 John 4
People in whom God’s Spirit lives are characterized by their serious attitude toward God’s Word, the Word of the apostles (1 John 4:6). Another criterion of salvation is the presence of God’s love in the heart. God is love (1 John 4:8). True love depends on the heart of the one who loves, not on the one being loved: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Understanding and trusting God’s love plays a vital role in the life of Christians. Confidence in God’s love revealed to us in Jesus Christ gives us boldness that God will justify us (1 John 4:16-17). Furthermore, as we grow aware of God’s love, we are freed from fear: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18).
Like other Old Testament prophets, the prophet Zechariah speaks extensively about the end times when Israel will be restored. This is always connected to the coming of the Messiah. One of the Messiah’s titles is the Branch from the root of Jesse. By placing a crown on the head of Joshua, son of Jozadak, God highlights the blessings Israel will experience because of the Branch: “He will build the temple of the Lord. He will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne. And there will be harmony between the two” (Zech. 6:13).
Jehovah again reminds Israel of the reason for their punishment: “…‘When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zech. 7:13).
Israel’s salvation will occur during the millennial kingdom when the remnant will be saved: “‘But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,’ declares the Lord Almighty” (Zech. 8:11).
1 John 4
People in whom God’s Spirit lives are characterized by their serious attitude toward God’s Word, the Word of the apostles (1 John 4:6). Another criterion of salvation is the presence of God’s love in the heart. God is love (1 John 4:8). True love depends on the heart of the one who loves, not on the one being loved: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Understanding and trusting God’s love plays a vital role in the life of Christians. Confidence in God’s love revealed to us in Jesus Christ gives us boldness that God will justify us (1 John 4:16-17). Furthermore, as we grow aware of God’s love, we are freed from fear: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18).
Posted in Reading Bible Together